Regular Council Meeting
August 1, 2022 – 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Dave Goedken called the meeting to order. Council present were: Wayne Peach, Brenda Hanken, Scott Brighton, Candy Langerman, Chris Lux and Tom Yeoman. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Library Director Michelle Turnis, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Park & Rec Director Jacob Oswald, Public Works Director Nick Kahler and Police Chief Britt Smith. The public was invited to attend the meeting in person, with limited seating or to participate in the meeting electronically via “Zoom Meetings” and were encouraged to communicate from Zoom Meeting via chat, due to the heightened public health risks of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). The meeting did have public attendance, both in-person and via Zoom.
Yeoman moved to approve agenda, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous.
Scott Chally, 608 North Chestnut, inquired on what City plans were for Sixth Street ditch and when City planned to begin project? Goedken advised the Sixth Street ditch is privately owned and not owned by the City. City is looking into funding option to help fund a project to make improvements, however City would need easements from the property owners to access the ditch. Chally stated he would grant easement to the City to do the work needed in his ditch and inquired if the ditch could be done in sections. Yeoman stated City is working on the funding for the Wastewater Treatment Plant and once completed, they will look at other projects, such as the Sixth Street ditch. Goedken stated the engineer has been working on plans for the Sixth Street ditch project and will share them with him.
Bud Coyle, 515 North Sycamore, questioned how much money is in the stormwater fund from the monthly fee and where the money was spent. Hinrichsen stated there currently is $14,399.13 in the storm water fund. Farnum stated City is using to pay back loan for the South Street Project storm water, also funds were spent for the Sixth Street ditch, ditch near John Drive/Northridge, East Second Street Project, Unity Point storm sewer and several other projects.
Gaylen Kray, 634 North Sycamore stated it has been 3 years and sidewalks have not been fixed. He stated Farnum advised him tonight, that Rod with Horsfield called last Friday. Farnum was told by Rod that if they were unable to complete the work, they would contract the work out to another contractor.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Lux moved to approve Resolution #2022-93 Approving Galen Eilers Tax Abatement Application related to Residential Improvements constructed at 678 North Chestnut Street, Monticello, Iowa, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Yeoman moved to approve Resolution #2022-94 Accepting FAA Grant Agreement, project No. 3-19-0061-012-2022, Monticello Regional Airport for the Construct Connector Taxiway Project and directing the City’s Designated Official to execute said grant agreement, Langerman seconded, roll call unanimous.
Peach moved to approve Resolution #2022-95 Approving engagement letter with Dorsey & Whitney LLP related to role as bond counsel for the USDA financing for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project, Brighton seconded, roll call unanimous.
Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-96 adopting the City of Monticello Employee Handbook, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Derek Manternach, 132 Monterey Trail stated he is looking to expand his business Manternach Custom Creations. He purchased a lot west of 709 John Drive and plans to build a 4,000 square foot custom cabinetry and furniture making shop. He was advised City has given land grants if lot purchased was one acre or larger in the past, and asked Council to consider his request and add to the proposed development agreement. Farnum stated he requested a property tax rebate for a period of 10 years, similar to others proposed and approved by the City. Farnum stated he was not opposed to the land grant or could look at increasing rebate percentages to make up the difference. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-97 Preliminarily approving proposed Development Agreement between the City of Monticello and Derek Manternach and scheduling a Public Hearing on the proposed agreement, as written, Yeoman seconded, roll call unanimous. Public hearing will be held on September 6, 2022 at 6 PM.
Farnum stated the City owns the vacant lot located at 449 North Sycamore Street and agreed to sell lot to Dean and Lisa Stevens. However, due to building supply pricing and increasing interest rates, Stevens can’t commit to a particular construction date and has not signed a purchase agreement. The other party, Kim Johnson, is willing to purchase the lot and build a garage and expand her existing home within a year. Stevens is willing to give up the property if the Council chooses to sell to Johnson instead. Langerman moved to approve Resolution #2022-98 to provide direction with regard to sale/transfer of City Owned Property located at 449 North Sycamore Street, Lux seconded, roll call unanimous. This resolution directs City Administrator to work with Johnson to finalize the details and prepare a purchase agreement.
Kahler reviewed the quotes received to purchase a dump truck chassis to replace the 2021 dump truck. They are looking at one year to 16 months before the chassis would be ready. Kahler recommended purchasing the Freightliner for $85,000.00. Brighton moved to authorized the purchase of a Freightliner dump truck chassis for $85,000, Hanken seconded, roll call unanimous.
Goedken reported Public Works guys did a great job cutting brush and removing the bridge from the Sixth Street ditch along the lot owned by the City.
Farnum stated he is working on the job descriptions to be approved by Council.
Farnum will be attending the Downtown Conference in Pella.
Farnum advised the Council is invited to the Jones County Economic Development Fall Gala on October 17th, which is the same evening as the Council meeting. If Council wants to attend the Gala, they could move the meeting to Tuesday that week or the following Monday.
Hinrichsen is working on yearend process and yearend reports for Council review and approval for State and County.
Smith advised they are accepting applications for a Police Officer until August 19th. He currently has one certified officer and one non-certified officer application. Fair Week was a busy week and continue to be short staffed.
Goedken advised the Austin Smith Playground started construction. Farnum stated temporary fencing was installed to keep everyone off equipment until construction is completed. Smith stated while it may look like it is completed, they cannot open it to the public until the rubberized surface is installed.
Tjaden reported that they repaired the clarifier with Chappell Machine Company making parts to get it working until the new plant is built, much cheaper than a new system. They are fixing a few items at the plant. Tjaden reported finding a company to temporarily fix the communication system at the West Well and within a year will need to replace the system at an estimated cost of $100,000.
Oswald reported there are a few weeks left to complete the Park’s survey, which is available online or can pick up a paper copy. They are selling ducks for the Duck Drop, which will happen during the Monti Days event at the disc golf.
Turnis reported they hired a bubble guy for the Monti Days event and they are working on their Fall programs.
Peach moved to adjourn the meeting 6:52 p.m.
Dave Goedken, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer